The document provides a comprehensive guide on improving laptop speed through various methods such as uninstalling unnecessary software, updating the operating system, reducing startup programs, and upgrading hardware like SSDs and RAM. It emphasizes routine maintenance techniques like disk cleanup and ensuring protection against malware to enhance performance. By following these strategies, users can rejuvenate their laptops without incurring significant costs.

1. Improving your Laptop’s
Speed: Useful Tips
Author: Anjali Sunilkumar
https://techtales.world/

2. Introduction
Laptops are crucial for everyday tasks, but a slow device
can be incredibly frustrating. Even top laptops can lag
over time. Fortunately, you don’t have to buy a new one.
By using a few smart techniques, you can revive your
current laptop’s performance.

3. 1. Uninstall Unnecessary Software
One of the main reasons laptops slow down over time is
the accumulation of software you don’t need. Every time
you install a program, it uses some of your system’s
resources. If these applications run in the background or
at startup, they can significantly impact performance.

4. How to uninstall software in Windows and
Mac
● Step 1: Open your system’s Control Panel (Windows) or
Applications folder (Mac).
● Step 2: Identify software you haven’t used recently or don’t need.
● Step 3: Uninstall these applications, particularly those that start
automatically when your laptop boots.

5. 2. Checking for Resource-Heavy Applications
In addition to unnecessary software, some applications
consume a disproportionate amount of your CPU and
RAM. Use your system’s task manager to monitor and
manage these applications.

6. How to check resource usage in Windows and Mac
● Windows Users: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task
Manager. Go to the Startup tab to disable programs that
aren’t essential at boot.
● Mac Users: Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight, type
Activity Monitor, and check for any software consuming too
much memory or processing power.

7. 3. Update your Operating System and Drivers
Outdated operating systems and drivers are often
responsible for a sluggish laptop. New updates not only
provide the latest features but also include optimizations
that can enhance speed and security. Keeping your
system up-to-date is a simple way to improve
performance.

8. How to update OS and Drivers
● Windows Users: Go to Settings> Update & Security >
Windows Update and click Check for updates.
● Mac Users: Open System Preferences > Software Update
and install any available updates.

9. Tip: Enable Automatic Updates
To ensure that you never miss an important update, turn on
automatic updates:
● Windows: Settings > Update & Security > Windows
Update > Advanced options > Enable Automatic updates.
● Mac: System Preferences > Software Update >
Automatically keep my Mac up to date.

10. 4. Reduce Startup Programs and Tasks
When you power on your laptop, numerous programs may
automatically start running. This not only increases the time before
your device is fully operational but also consumes CPU resources,
impacting overall performance. A high number of startup programs
can slow down your computer, causing other applications to lag
when you try to open them. To boost efficiency, it’s best to limit
which programs and tasks launch during startup.

11. How to reduce startup programs in Windows and Mac
● Open Settings from the Start menu by clicking the gear icon.
● Select Apps in the left-hand menu.
● Choose Startup on the right-hand side.
● Toggle each app on or off using the switch next to it.
Alternatively, you can:
1. Right-click the Start menu and open Task Manager, or press Ctrl +
Shift + Esc.
2. Click the Startup tab.
3. Right-click on any app and select Disable or Enable.

12. How to reduce startup programs in Windows and Mac
1. Click the Apple menu icon.
2. Open System Preferences.
3. Go to Users & Groups.
4. Choose your user account.
5. Click Login Items.

13. 5. Upgrade to a Solid State Drive(SSD)
One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is switching
from a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to a Solid State Drive
(SSD). An SSD significantly reduces boot times, speeds up file
transfers, and makes your system feel more responsive overall.
Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no moving parts, which means they
are faster and more durable.

14. How to upgrade hard drive to SSD
● Step 1: Purchase a reliable SSD. Popular choices include the Samsung
870 EVO and Western Digital Blue. However, you need to make sure
that the SSD you choose will support your laptop. The provider can
help you identify the best SSD for your laptop model or you can check
the datasheet of your laptop model to find the best SSD for you.
● Step 2: Use software like Macrium Reflect (Windows) or
Carbon Copy Cloner (Mac) to clone your old drive.
● Step 3: Replace the HDD with your new SSD and enjoy the speed
boost!

15. 6. Increase your RAM(Random Access Memory)
If your laptop struggles with multitasking or frequently freezes,
increasing your RAM could be the solution. RAM is crucial for
your laptop’s ability to handle multiple applications at once, so
if you find your machine slowing down with several tabs or
programs open, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

16. How to increase RAM
Upgrading RAM is straightforward, but it’s important to ensure
compatibility:
● Step 1: Check your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s website to
find out the maximum RAM capacity and type.
● Step 2: Purchase compatible RAM from reputable brands.
● Step 3: Follow a YouTube tutorial or your laptop’s manual to open
the back panel and install the new RAM.

17. 7. Clean Up Your Disk
A crowded hard drive can cause a decrease in performance.
Routinely clearing your disk frees up valuable space and
enhances performance. Use built-in tools for efficiency.

18. How to clean up disk in Windows and Mac
● Windows Users: Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files,
system files, and other clutter.
● Mac Users: Use CleanMyMac X to scan for junk files, cache, and duplicates.
Consistency is key for disk cleanup:
● Schedule regular disk cleanups.
● If you have an HDD, consider defragmenting your drive monthly to keep it
organized.
● For SSDs, simply ensure there’s enough free space (aim for at least 20%).

19. 8. Disable visual effects and Animations
Modern operating systems are packed with sleek visual effects
and animations that enhance the user experience. However,
these eye-catching effects can consume a lot of system
resources, especially on older laptops. Disabling or minimizing
visual effects can free up processing power, making your laptop
noticeably faster.

20. How to disable visual effects in Windows
● Step 1: Right-click on the Start button and select System.
● Step 2: Click on Advanced system settings.
● Step 3: Under the Performance section, click on Settings.
● Step 4: Choose Adjust for best performance or manually
select which visual effects to disable.

21. How to disable visual effects in Mac
● Step 1: Go to System Preferences > Accessibility.
● Step 2: Click on Display.
● Step 3: Enable the options for Reduce Motion and Reduce
Transparency.

22. Tip: Using “Performance Mode” for gaming laptops
Many gaming laptops come with built-in performance modes that
prioritize speed over battery life. Activating these modes can disable
unnecessary background tasks and optimize CPU and GPU performance:
● Windows: Access your manufacturer’s control center (like Alienware
Command Center or MSI Dragon Center) and switch to
Performance Mode.
● Mac: For recent macOS updates, enable Low Power Mode for battery
efficiency, or prioritize Performance Mode in System Preferences if
available.

23. 9. Keep your Laptop free of Malware and Viruses
Malware, viruses, and other malicious software are notorious
for slowing down laptops. Infections can run in the
background, hogging your system’s resources without you
realizing it. Ensuring your laptop is malware-free is crucial for
optimal performance.

24. Effective Antivirus and Antimalware Tools
● Windows Defender: Built-in protection for Windows that
provides good baseline security.
● Malwarebytes: Known for its ability to find and remove stubborn
malware.
● Bitdefender: A robust choice that offers real-time protection
without significantly slowing down your system.
● Avast or AVG: Free and reliable antivirus options for both
Windows and Mac.

25. Best practices for Online Safety
● Avoid suspicious websites: Stick to reputable sites, especially when
downloading files.
● Use browser extensions: Tools like uBlock Origin can block ads and
malicious content.
● Keep your antivirus updated: Regularly update your antivirus
software to catch the latest threats.
● Backup regularly: Use an external drive or cloud storage like
Google Drive or Dropbox for regular backups.

26. Conclusion
Speeding up your laptop doesn’t have to be a complicated or
expensive process. By following the strategies outlined here—from
uninstalling unnecessary software and upgrading hardware to
keeping your system clean and secure—you can extend the lifespan
of your laptop and enjoy a faster, more efficient experience.
Remember, the key to maintaining peak performance is regular
upkeep. Small tweaks and occasional upgrades can go a long way in
ensuring that your laptop stays speedy for years to come.

27. Frequently
Asked
Questions

28. How do I make my laptop run faster?
Start by uninstalling unnecessary software, upgrading to an
SSD, adding more RAM, and regularly cleaning up your disk.
These steps are cost-effective ways to rejuvenate an old laptop.

29. Is upgrading RAM or switching to an SSD more effective for speed?
Upgrading to an SSD generally offers the most noticeable
speed boost, especially for loading times and file transfers.
Increasing RAM is beneficial if you frequently multitask or run
heavy applications.

30. Will a factory reset make my laptop faster?
Yes, a factory reset can make your laptop faster by removing all
unnecessary files and software. However, it should be a last
resort because it erases everything, requiring a full data
backup and reinstall of essential software.

31. How often should I clean my laptop’s disk?
Perform a monthly disk cleanup to maintain optimal
performance. This will help you remove temporary files, cache,
and other unnecessary data that may be slowing down your
laptop.

32. Can antivirus software slow down my laptop?
Some antivirus programs can be resource-intensive, slowing
down your laptop. Choose lightweight antivirus solutions like
Bitdefender or Malwarebytes that offer robust protection
without compromising performance.

33. Read more: https://techtales.world/how-do-i-make-laptop-faster-top-8-secrets-to-a-
faster-laptop/
Thank You!!!